Sec. 61.0766.  MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER PREPARATION ACADEMIES.  (a)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, the board shall establish academies at institutions of higher education to improve the instructional skills of teachers certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, and train students enrolled in a teacher preparation program to perform at the highest levels in mathematics, science, and technology.  The board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.
(b)  Before an institution of higher education establishes an academy under this section, the institution must apply through a competitive process, as determined by the board, and meet any requirements established by the board for designation as an academy under this section and  continued funding.  The institution of higher education must have a teacher preparation program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification or be affiliated with a program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification.
(c)  A participant in an academy program must be:
(1)  an experienced teacher who:
(A)  is recommended by a school district; and
(B)  has at least two years experience teaching mathematics, science, or technology in assignments for which the teacher met all certification requirements; or
(2)  a teacher preparation program candidate who has or will graduate with a degree in mathematics, science, or technology.
(d)  An academy program shall:
(1)  offer a masters-level degree as part of the program on a schedule that allows a teacher participant to complete the program and degree while employed as a teacher;
(2)  coordinate with the mathematics, science, and technology departments of the institution of higher education operating the program to facilitate the ability of:
(A)  academy participants to take advanced courses and qualify for degrees; and
(B)  teacher preparation program candidates pursuing mathematics, science, or technology degrees to participate in academy programs;
(3)  integrate advanced subject-matter coursework with instructional methodology and curriculum delivery; and
(4)  focus on strengthening instructional skills.
(e)  An academy program may:
(1)  provide financial assistance for the purpose of allowing participants to complete the program;
(2)  include programs in leadership skills to develop training, mentoring, and coaching skills;
(3)  deliver coursework electronically for some or all of the program; and
(4)  provide for ongoing professional development and coordination with specific public school instructional programs.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1058 (H.B. 2237), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
Transferred from Education Code, Section 21.462 and amended by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 852 (S.B. 2262), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Amended by: 
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.066, eff. September 1, 2019.